[Combined effect of aerobic training and Pistacia athlantica extract on GLUT-4 protein expression and muscle glycogen in diabetic rats]

The effects of exercise training on GLUT4 protein expression have been examined in several studies whereas those of aerobic training along with the use of plant extracts on muscle GLUT4 protein expression are unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of aerobic training and Pistacia athlantica extract on GLUT4 protein expression and glycogen level in the gastrocnemius muscle of diabetic rats. Forty-male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: Healthy control, diabetic control, diabetic+ aerobic training, diabetic+extract and diabetic+ aerobic training+ extract. The program included six weeks of aerobic training on the treadmill. Forty eight hours after last session of training and consumption the extract, the rats were anesthetized and gastrocnemius muscle was isolated for measurement of glycogen levels and GLUT4 protein expression. Data was analyzed by using one-way ANOVA test [P<0.05]. GLUT4 protein expression and glycogen levels in gastrocnemius muscle in diabetic+ aerobic training+ extract group were significantly higher than in the diabetic control group [P values 0.001, 0.02 respectively], whereas these variables in the aerobic training and the Pistacia athlantica extract perse groups did not change compared to the diabetic control group. It seems that Pistacia athlantica extract along with specific exercises, compared to utilization of each of strategies perse, are more effective in increasing glucose transporter proteins and possibly improving insulin function

Relation between communication skills and coping mechanisms in substance abusers at Tehran therapeutic community center

This project was conducted to appraise the communication and coping skills of sub-stance abusers residing at a therapeutic community center. It also evaluated the relation between the scores of communication skills and coping strategies. 25 male substance abusers residing at a therapeutic community center in Tehran participated in this descriptive-analytical study. These detoxified subjects were evaluated by two means, Coping Strategies Checklist consisting of problem-focused, emotion- focused, and low effective and uneffective copings; the second mean was Assessment of Communication and Interactional Skills, an observational test composed of three sections of physical aspects, information exchange, and relationships. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient. The mean score of problem-focused coping strategy was higher than emotion-focused, and lower effective and uneffective coping scores. The mean score of communication skills was quite high. No significant relation was found between various sections of communication skills and coping strategies. The addicts' communication skills are at an acceptable and appropriate level. Although this group is not a complete representative of substance abusers population, they do not seem to have significant difficulties in terms of communication skills. This is an important matter in planning the content of life skills training, and for this group, it is better to utilize more suitable methods to improve their coping strategies